Assault, ABH & GBH Defence
If you or someone you know is under investigation or being prosecuted for common assault, battery, actual bodily harm (ABH), or grievous bodily harm (GBH), our assault solicitors at Bell Lamb & Joynson can help. Our criminal defence team are here to provide trusted legal advice 24/7 whenever you need our assistance.
Have You Been Accused of Assault, ABH or GBH?
If you’ve been accused of assault, ABH, or GBH, the consequences of conviction can affect the rest of your life. You may receive penalties, such as fines, a prison sentence, community service, and a criminal record. Our experienced team of assault solicitors can help with all offences, even the most serious Section 18 GBH, which can result in life imprisonment.
Common assault, battery, ABH, and GBH are commonly grouped as 'offences against the person'. ABH and GBH are directly covered by the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, while common assault and battery fall under Section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
Offences against the person are often not open-and-shut cases. There are many ways you can challenge the evidence and even get the case dropped altogether. We aim to get the investigation or charges dropped, secure a not guilty verdict at court, and obtain a reduced sentence or less serious penalty on your behalf.
Your Trusted Criminal Defence Team
- Our criminal assault solicitors are in the top 10 firms nationally
- One of the top criminal law teams in the country
- Award-winning services
- 200+ years of experience
- FREE police station representation
- Assistance during criminal investigations and in court
- Assault solicitors available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Many clients taken on a Legal Aid basis
How Our Assault Solicitors Can Help
Our expert assault solicitors are here to defend your case, wherever you are in the country.
Contact Our Assault Solicitors Today
If either you or someone you know requires expert criminal law defence at the police station, during investigation, or at the court, our assault lawyers can help. We have a dedicated team of assault, ABH, and GBH solicitors ready to assist clients across the country. We offer trusted support, guidance, and advice when you need it most.
Contact us today on 03444 124348, or for urgent matters out of hours, call 0808 196 1790.
Assault, ABH & GBH FAQs
What should I do at the police station?
It’s your legal right to have representation at the police station. We advise that you do not answer any police questions until we are by your side to help you. Tell the police you want to talk to your solicitor at Bell Lamb & Joynson. This includes if you have been invited for a voluntary interview under caution. Remember, these interviews are not casual chats, and anything you say during a police interview could be used to charge you or as evidence in court.
Do I need a solicitor for common assault?
You do not legally need a solicitor for common assault, but it's strongly recommended. Assault solicitors protect your rights, offer reliable advice, and help avoid charges or any lasting consequences. If you require an assault lawyer, we can help.
What is ABH vs GBH?
What is the difference between ABH and GBH? Actual bodily harm (ABH) involves injury worse than battery, such as bruising, cuts, and even shock that may go on to affect someone's mental health, and grievous bodily harm (GBH) involves serious injury, such as broken bones, stab wounds, and internal damage.
What is the most common punishment for assault?
In the UK, fines and community orders are the most common punishments for assault, especially for first-time or less serious cases. Common assault can, but rarely, lead to imprisonment unless harm or intent to harm is high.
What are the three types of assault?
The law in the UK recognises three main types of assault offences, including common assault (fear of violence), actual bodily harm (ABH, meaning an injury more serious than battery but less than GBH), and grievous bodily harm (GBH, meaning serious injury with or without intent).